Buccal Fat Removal
Defining the Lower Face
Achieve a more sculpted and refined facial profile by addressing the persistent fullness in the lower cheeks that often hides your bone structure.
Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is designed for patients who feel they have a "baby face" or overly round cheeks. By removing the buccal fat pad, we can highlight the natural shadows of the face. This creates a more sophisticated and contoured look that emphasizes the cheekbones and jawline.
Precision Intraoral Sculpting
The procedure is performed entirely through small incisions made inside the mouth, meaning there are no visible external scars. Dr. Capraro will carefully locate the buccal fat pads, which are situated between the cheek muscles. These fat pads are gently teased out and a precise amount is removed to achieve symmetry.
Once the fat is removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. The amount of fat removed is highly customized to the patient's existing facial structure and desired level of definition. Because the work is done internally, the transformation appears natural and the recovery is generally quicker than other facial surgeries.
Candidates for a Chiseled Look
This surgery is ideal for individuals who are at a stable weight but have a round or full lower face that makes them look younger than they are. It is best suited for patients with a clear "buccal" fullness rather than general facial heaviness. Candidates should have good skin elasticity to ensure a smooth result.
If you are looking for a more "hollowed" or contoured cheek appearance that highlights your bone structure, this procedure is a great choice. It is not recommended for patients with naturally thin or narrow faces, as it can lead to a gaunt look later in life. We will assess your facial volume during your consultation.
Advantages of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal provides a permanent change to the facial architecture. By removing the deep fat pads, patients can enjoy a more mature and defined look that enhances the effects of highlighting and contouring without the need for makeup.
The entire procedure is performed through incisions inside the cheeks.
The removed fat pads do not regenerate, providing a lasting facial contour change.
Reveals the natural contours of the cheekbones and lower jaw.
Typically completed in under one hour as an in-office surgical procedure.
Reduces facial roundness to create a more refined and mature appearance.
Most patients return to work and social activities within a few days.
Post-Contouring Maintenance
Since the incisions are located inside the mouth, oral hygiene and diet are the most critical factors for a safe and comfortable recovery.
- Rinse your mouth several times a day with a specialized antimicrobial mouthwash provided by your surgeon to keep the internal incision sites clean.
- Stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the incisions and to minimize the amount of chewing required.
- Apply cold compresses to the outside of your cheeks frequently for the first forty-eight hours to help control swelling and internal bruising effectively.
- Do not consume spicy, acidic, or very hot foods for at least one week, as these can cause significant discomfort and irritation to the healing tissue.
- Avoid using a straw for at least one week, as the suction can put unnecessary pressure on the incisions and potentially disrupt the dissolvable sutures.
- Avoid vigorous exercise or activities that involve heavy facial movement or impact for at least two weeks to ensure the internal tissues heal properly.
Any Questions?
There is some soreness, similar to a dental procedure, but it is easily managed with mild pain relief.
Yes, the buccal fat pads do not grow back, so the slimming effect is permanent.
No, it only removes volume; you should have good skin elasticity so the skin adapts to your new contours.
People with "chipmunk cheeks" or overly round lower faces who want a more chiseled jawline and cheekbones.
Most swelling subsides in a few days, and patients return to normal activities within a week.
No, the entire procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth.
It is a quick procedure, typically taking about 30–45 minutes in total.
You will be swollen at first; final results are usually visible 2–3 months after the procedure.
Yes, many patients choose to have this done while awake with local numbing.
How Lymphatic Drainage Supports Your Transformation
To ensure the most comfortable and efficient recovery, we offer specialized facial lymphatic drainage massage as a clinical add-on to your buccal fat removal plan. This gentle, non-invasive technique uses rhythmic, light-touch movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and flush out the fluids that naturally accumulate in the cheeks following the extraction of the buccal fat pads. By proactively managing the body’s inflammatory response, these sessions help to soften the facial tissues and prevent the buildup of stagnant fluid, leading to a smoother and more predictable healing journey.
Beyond mere comfort, lymphatic massage is a critical tool for refining your final aesthetic results. By significantly reducing post-operative swelling and minor bruising, this therapy allows your new, sculpted mid-face contours to settle more quickly and clearly into their refined position. It also promotes healthy circulation and improved skin texture, ensuring that your cheek hollows are as sharp and polished as possible. Integrating this specialized care into your post-operative protocol provides a holistic path to both feeling and looking your best sooner.
The Clinical Benefits of Lymphatic Integration
Integrating lymphatic drainage into your buccal fat removal recovery provides targeted support for your body’s natural inflammatory response. This clinical add-on accelerates the clearing of internal debris, ensuring a faster transition from post-operative swelling to final results.
Rapidly flushes out excess interstitial fluid to minimize post-surgical cheek puffiness.
Accelerates the reabsorption of blood cells to clear skin discoloration faster.
Gentle stimulation calms the nervous system and reduces pressure-induced discomfort.
Prevents the formation of hard nodules or "stiffness" in the mid-face.
Assists the lymphatic system in removing cellular waste after fat pad removal.
Allows the skin to adhere better to the new sculpted hollows.
How Lymphatic Drainage Supports Your Transformation
Buccal fat removal triggers a localized fluid response in the deep layers of the cheek. Facial lymphatic drainage acts as a manual catalyst to move this fluid toward the nodes behind the ears and down the neck, preventing the "stagnation" that can slow your recovery.
- Rapidly clears fluid around the mid-face to reveal the precise, chiseled contours created by the surgery.
- Gently alleviates the feeling of "fullness" or tension in the cheeks, making facial expressions feel more natural.
- Helps both sides of the face de-swell at a similar rate, providing a clearer picture of your final symmetry.
- By softening the deep tissue, lymphatic massage helps the internal incision sites heal without excessive stiffness or pulling.
- Enhances the delivery of oxygenated blood to the skin, supporting healthy tissue maturation in the treated area.
- Reducing inflammation more quickly means you can see your surgical results and return to your routine sooner.
Superior Quality Plastic Surgery Care
Our team pursues continuous training to stay current with evolving techniques, safety standards, and aesthetic advancements, ensuring every recommendation reflects thoughtful, modern judgment. Dr. Capraro remains personally involved from consultation through recovery, offering calm guidance, clear communication, and consistent, patient-centered care throughout treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Confident Results
Book a personalized consultation and receive clear, physician-led guidance focused on your goals, comfort, and long-term results, with thoughtful recommendations designed to feel natural, intentional, and never rushed.